Episode #1.1 - S1-E1
Other mistake: Lord Grantham tells Violet that he wanted to put 'lights' in the bedrooms but Cora did not, but at the end of the episode just before he blows out his candle Cora turns and off camera turns off a light that "clicks."
Episode #2.7 - S2-E7
Other mistake: When the dowager visits Matthew in his bedroom to tell him Mary is still in love with him before he goes through with marrying Lavinia, the curtains hanging behind Matthew are so wrinkled and creased just as curtains are when they come out of a package from the store. The crease lines are terrible! One would think set design would have steamed them as in real life, they would have been custom-made and certainly not folded up like that for shipping, thus never having creases like that.
Episode #3.3 - S3-E3
Other mistake: At the end of this episode after Edith is jilted at the altar, Albert makes some rather "home boy" comments about the food and then asks if there is any cheese to eat as if that's all he's used to or wants. This seems inconsistent since for the rest of the series Albert is the guy who seems to appreciate well-made food and wants to be a cook.
Episode #4.1 - S4-E1
Other mistake: They act as if Carson's friend Charlie has his first appearance in season 4 episode 1, but in an earlier season and episode he arrived at Downton Abbey and caused a scene in the library trying to extort money.
Answer: Lord Sinderby purchased the house, furnished and appointed, from someone else, complete with staff that come with the home (some of whom aren't happy to be working for a Jewish family). He bought the title, as well. If the artwork featuring Jesus is valuable, he might keep it. Also interesting, his ancestors Anglicized their name, though he is proudly Jewish.
Michael Albert